13-Year-Old Girl Battles to Recover After Alleged Repeated Rape by Father
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – A 13-year-old girl from Mhondoro is fighting for her life at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital after allegedly being repeatedly raped by her father and another man, leaving her pregnant and later giving birth.
The girl, identified as Winnet Mashiri, is currently admitted in Ward A2, where she is reportedly in need of urgent medical assistance, including a blood transfusion and antibiotics.
According to information received from concerned members of the community, Winnet’s mother had left the family home after allegedly suffering abuse. The girl was subsequently left under the care of her father, together with her two-year-old sibling.
It is alleged that, during this period, the father repeatedly sexually abused his daughter until she became pregnant.
The child, who is from Mashiri Village in Mhondoro under Sabhuku Mashiri, has since delivered a baby.
Her plight has now sparked an urgent appeal for assistance, with reports indicating that she has limited clothing for the newborn and is struggling to access medicines and other necessities.
Nurses at the hospital are reportedly assisting where they can, including buying some clothes for the baby, but more support is urgently needed.
Well-wishers have been urged to assist with baby clothes, medication and other medical needs. Those wishing to help have been advised to contact the Public Relations Officer or Matron at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and identify Winnet as the patient in Ward A2.
The allegations have also raised serious questions over the protection of vulnerable children, particularly claims that people in the community were aware of what was allegedly happening but failed to intervene.
There are also calls for the Zimbabwe Republic Police to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against the alleged perpetrators.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of child sexual abuse and the urgent need for communities to speak out and protect children from abuse rather than remain silent.
Authorities had not, at the time of publication, publicly confirmed the allegations or indicated whether arrests had been made.
